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Proxima Centauri's Flares Threaten Habitability of Nearby Exoplanets

3/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have captured an unprecedented flare from Proxima Centauri, our closest star, igniting worries about the habitability of Proxima b. With 463 powerful flares recorded, each unleashing staggering energy, the potential for life on nearby exoplanets hangs in the balance as these bursts threaten to strip away their atmospheres.

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Story summary

Astronomers at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have captured an unprecedented flare from Proxima Centauri, our closest star, igniting worries about the habitability of Proxima b. With 463 powerful flares recorded, each unleashing staggering energy, the potential for life on nearby exoplanets hangs in the balance as these bursts threaten to strip away their atmospheres.